Learner drivers in Somerset are being forced to wait up more than six months to take their driving test, with the county's nearest test centres fully booked for 24 weeks.

New figures from the AA Driving School show that waiting times at Taunton, Yeovil and Weston-super-Mare test centres have all reached the maximum currently displayed by the DVSA.

The average wait for a driving test nationally is now 20 weeks — up from 14.8 weeks a year ago.

Emma Bush, managing director of AA Driving School, said long waits were becoming a major barrier for young people trying to access education and employment.

She said: "Bringing down driving test waiting times is vital to ensure a lack of driving licence does not become an ongoing barrier for young people trying to access education and employment.

"We are pleased the DVSA has laid out its plans to reach an average waiting time of seven weeks by December 2025 and wholeheartedly support their goal. It is crucial efforts to meet this target are effective and result in this significant reduction."

The number of test centres with the maximum wait of 24 weeks has more than doubled over the past year — from 94 in February 2024 to 183 in February 2025.

Only 14 test centres across the country currently meet the DVSA's target of a seven-week wait or less. The shortest waiting time recorded was in Elgin, Scotland, at five weeks.

DVSA plans to recruit more examiners

The DVSA has committed to recruiting 450 new driving test examiners over the next year, although with an expected loss of 130 examiners, the net increase is expected to be around 320.

This recruitment drive is expected to create capacity for around 590,000 additional tests each year.

Rhydian Jones, car insurance expert at Confused.com, said the long waits were causing frustration for many learners.

He said: "Taking your driving test is meant to be an exciting time, and for many, one step closer to being more independent.

"But even five years on from the pandemic, learner drivers continue to face serious delays when it comes to booking tests, impacting their freedom to get on the road."

He also urged learners to be cautious when booking: "You should book your test slot directly through the DVLA's website, to ensure you're not being tricked by any unofficial websites."

For more information or to book your test, visit: www.gov.uk/book-driving-test

How to book safely

The AA and Confused.com are warning learners to only book their tests through the official DVSA website to avoid scams.

And while the wait might be agonising, driving experts say it's better to take your time and be fully ready — rather than rushing to a test you might not pass.

For more information and to book a test, click here.